Robert A. Rutishauser

1943 - 2022

Robert A. Rutishauser
January 24, 1943 - March 4, 2022
Modesto, California - Robert "Bob" Rutishauser was born January 24, 1943, to August and Margaret Rutishauser in Kelseyville, CA. He grew up in Davis, CA, until they moved to Turlock when Bob was 14. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1960. Bob married Janice Sharbrough and they had two children, Debbie and Gary.
After retail work at the Mercantile and Montgomery Ward, Bob began his career in law enforcement in 1966. He graduated from USF in 1976 with a degree in public service. Bob, aka "Ruti," worked in the Modesto Police Department as an officer, detective, police sergeant, administrative aide to the chief, and lieutenant.
After Bob and Janice's marriage ended, he married Ronna Peterson on March 19, 1978, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Modesto. They had a son, Paul, and moved to Woodland, CA, in January, 1983, where Bob served as Assistant Sherriff for Yolo County. Three years later the family returned to Modesto, and Bob became the corporate security manager for Gallo Winery, retiring in 1993.
Bob was an avid reader and a true patriot. He was a fan of Giants baseball, Western music, and old movies. He and Ronna enjoyed traveling with family, friends, or just the two of them.
Bob and Ronna were longtime members of Modesto Covenant Church and later were charter members of Shelter Cove Community Church. Bob's faith was of primary importance to him, and he loved growing in God's Word over the years. He was blessed in his marriage and by his loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and large extended family.
On March 4, 2022, Bob lost his 18-month battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Mary Rutishauser. He is survived by his wife Ronna, his daughter Debbie Sutter Duncan (Paul) of El Dorado Hills, son Gary Rutishauser (Gabi) of Munich, Germany, and son Paul Rutishauser (Jennifer) of Modesto.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Shelter Cove Community Church on Saturday, March 12th at 11 AM. Remembrances may be made to Shelter Cove Community Church, 4242 Coffee Road, Modesto, 95357, or to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, 95356.